Nalidixic Acid

Chemical Structure / Formula of Nalidixic Acid

  • Formula: C₁₂H₁₂N₂O₃
  • Structure: 1,8-naphthyridine core with a carboxyl (-COOH) and ketone (-C=O) functional group.

Nalidixic Acid

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, preventing bacterial DNA replication.
  • Bactericidal effect due to DNA fragmentation and inhibition of supercoiling.

Uses of Nalidixic Acid

  • First-generation quinolone used primarily for urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by coli, Proteus, Klebsiella.
  • Not used for systemic infections (poor penetration).

Side Effects

  • GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
  • CNS effects (dizziness, headache, confusion in elderly patients).
  • Rare: hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficiency.

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